Materials
- shoe divider boxes
- envelopes
- pens and pencils
- paper
- stamps and inkpads
- stickers to use as stamps
- plastic mailbox
Instructions
- Transform the dramatic play area of the classroom into a post office.
- Include a low table for the children to create letters.
- Label each of the boxes with a child's name (for younger children use a picture of each child).
- Children can take their letters to the "post office" to purchase stamps and mail their letters. Postal workers can cancel the stamps on the letters using a stamp and inkpad.
- Encourage the children to create letters to bring home to their parents.
Instructions
* Have area clear for a group reading of the book.
* Set up easel with chart paper and marker readily available.
What to Do
Note: This should be a two-day activity.
1. On the first day, begin by discussing ants with the children. Talk with the
children about how ants live in colonies, and describe their various
characteristics. Consider showing the children some pictures of ants, or setting
out an ant farm.
2. Read "I Can't," Said the Ant by Polly Cameron to the whole class.
3. After reading the book, discuss the setting, problem, and solution of the story
with the children. Dismiss the children by asking them to name a character
from the story.
4. On the second day, gather the group to discuss the hunt for rhyming words
from the story.
5. Review the story and explain that you will only be reading small bits.
6. Tell the children that when they hear two rhyming words, they should raise
their hands. List each pair of words on the chart paper.
7. After filling the chart paper, dismiss the children by asking them to think of two
rhyming words of their own. Help those who have not grasped the concept.
8. Afterwards, hang the chart paper on the wall to display the group's work.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip
* This may be a new concept to some. Coach those who have difficulty. Follow
up individually if further practice is needed.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Can the children describe the story in "I Can't," Said the Ant?
* Can the children name some words that rhyme with "ant"?
